As Teslas are made a few exits up the 880 freeway north of Milpitas, electric vehicles have become very popular in the area. Travelers often want to know where they can charge up their electric car, and may have preferences as to the type of charger. You can also view the full map on Google.
I have arranged each type of electric vehicle charging station by its location, north to south. (Fremont border to San Jose border.) As you can see, most are along McCarthy Blvd., which runs parallel to I-880 to its west. From I-880, take the Dixon Landing exit and head west (right), and then immediately left on McCarthy Blvd. and go south. (Note: McCarthy is an excellent alternative route should 880 have too much traffic. It begins as Fremont Blvd. up in Fremont, and becomes O’Toole in San Jose, ending on E. Brokaw, not far from the airport.
Tesla Supercharger
Stop along the world’s fastest charging network while you grab a quick bite to eat. With our rapidly expanding Supercharger locations placed on well-traveled routes, Tesla can get you anywhere you want to go. 901 E Calaveras Blvd Embassy Suites – quite a few charging stations on SE corner of hotel 333 S. Abbott Ave. In Denny’s parking lot, near the I-880 and 237/Calaveras Bl. interchange, SE corner. 1010 Great Mall Dr. Great Mall, outside Red Robin restaurant, SW corner of mall
Milpitas has been a car-town since its inception when it incorporated around the new Ford factory being built here. A fair number of the Mustangs built at that factory have been lovingly maintained by local residents, and we look forward each June to the car show.
Bill of Sale for Automobile
Nolo Press sells these forms right online. You fill it out online, and then pay to get the printed version. Inexpensive way to sell your used vehicle and have the legal documentation.
Californa’s Lemon Law
A purchaser or lessee of a motor vehicle has various rights under both state and federal law if the vehicle does not perform as provided under an express warranty.
DMV Now Kiosk
Use the California DMV Now kiosk, a fast and easy way to renew your vehicle registrations. The California DMV Now kiosk uses scanning and touchscreen kiosk technology to securely update vehicle information through step-by-step instructions and optional voice assistance. Simply follow the guided on-screen instructions. After a successful renewal, documents print instantly at the kiosk. Inside Safeway at 555 E. Calaveras Blvd.
Drive
Mercury News site with auto reviews, information about car shopping online.
Where is my car?
Professional thieves can steal any car, but make them work for yours. To prevent thefts, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommends “Layered Protection.” The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.
Car Detailers
Dragon Auto
We’ve found that graphene or teflon fix the shortcomings of ceramic coatings, while still offering all the same benefits! 20 Windsor Street 408-539-7499
68 Auto Detail
Premium auto detailing facility. Offers PPF film, ceramic coating, window tinting, vehicle wraps, and pointless dent repair. 51 Minnis Circle 510-657-6868
The Milpitas Car Club
Meets at Foster Freeze at 78 Serra Way on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. Bring an old or new unique car and have some food, laughs, and enjoy car talk.
BlackTrax
The most innovative import and domestic tuner shop in Northern California, delivering the latest in custom and high performance solutions for your import and domestic vehicles. 1819 Houret Court 408-408-946-2900
California Mobility Works (CMW)
CMW is developing and preparing manufacturing of mobility products for both the consumer and commercial markets. CMW currently occupies a 20K Sq ft R&D, Design Center in Milpitas California. We are planning on acquiring another 30K sq ft at the same location for a total of 50,000 sq. ft. for our Silicon Valley corporate headquarters and manufacturing. 1355 California Cir. 408-357-4745
SafeAI
Builds autonomous mining & construction equipment with deep expertise developing safety protocols for autonomous passenger cars – the most difficult autonomy scenario. 1900 McCarthy Blvd #310
Qnovo
Qnovo’s Adaptive Charging safely adds up to 20% capacity, extending the range of the vehicles without increasing cost and weight. Qnovo’s technology is in 150M smartphones. 400 N. McCarthy Blvd. 510-592-7728
Gas
Cheapest Gas In Milpitas
Find out where to get the cheapest gas in our town. Widget updates daily. Other resources for saving on your car and truck fueling.
Parts
Andy’s Autosport
A store specializing in body kits that dresses up your car’s exterior and distinguish it from the every day daily driver. 673 S. Milpitas Blvd., 800-419-1152.
Auto & Truck Service and Repair Shops in Milpitas
The Minnis Circle, Milpitas, auto service shops all cooperate with one another, so, say, you need some mechanical work, a smog test, and wheel alignment, they will shuffle the car between the service shops. You pay for all where you pick the vehicle up.
Road Service
ProStar Towing
Tow trucks large and small to get your impaired vehicle safely home. Lots of tow truck clip art, if you need one for a school report. ProStar donated towing services to the Milpitas Historical Society to get Leapin’ Lena out of the Great Mall to get it ready for the 4th of July Parade.
Storage
R’n R Vehicle Storage
Home of high-quality services and inside storage for your treasured RV, boat or auto. On Ames near S. Milpitas Blvd. 408-694-3492
Tires and Brakes
Tires and Brakes in Milpitas
Shops in Milpitas that can repair or replace everything concerning your tires and brakes, suspension work, alignment, and more.
Used Vehicles
Carfax Lemon Check
Don’t make a $10,000 mistake! Millions of used cars have costly hidden problems. Use Carfax Vehicle History Reports to confirm a clean history or to reveal potentially costly hidden problems.
Transportation Classifieds
Search these ads for that new or used car, truck, van, boat or motorcycle. Place an ad for your used vehicle.
ARCO Gas
Usually the best gas prices in town are at the Arcos. Locations: Best Price NW side of town: From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 2 blocks.
Park Victoria and Landess, northwest corner of intersection, 1 block east of Landess exit off 680.
76 Conoco
What is Top Tier gasoline? Road tools available. Trip Planner. How to get their credit card or give gift cards. Locations: Tied for Best Price East Side of town: From 680, take Calaveras East 1 block on southwest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.
From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 1 block.
From 880, take Calaveras east, on south side of the street about a block to Serra intersection.
Chevron
Check out why gas prices are so high. Find out about prospecting for crude oil, refineries and gas stations. Locations: Best Price right off 880: From 880, take Dixon Landing Road exit, right on California Circle.
From 880, take Great Mall exit. Located next to the McDonalds on the outer loop.
From 680, take Landess exit and head east. Located at the northest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.
Shell
Yelp review of the station at N. Park Victoria and E. Calaveras. Locations: Tied for Best Price East Side of town: 12 N Park Victoria Dr
990 Jacklin Rd Has car wash.
1780 S Main St. Has car wash.
See also ~ Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Milpitas
I have arranged each type of electric vehicle charging station by its location, north to south. As you can see, most are along McCarthy Blvd.
Firestone Complete Auto Care
Whether you need extensive repair work or just a quick checkup, come in today or schedule an appointment.
1379 S Park Victoria Dr. (408) 914-2995
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Battery Testing, Fluid Recycling, Loaner Tools, and Wiper Blade Installation.
1350 S Park Victoria Dr. (408) 946-3677
His ‘n Hers
Yelp reviews. My whole family goes here! Most of the stylists are part owners with a stake in how well the business goes.
1215 S Park Victoria Dr (408) 262-8047
Post N Parcel
Yelp reviews. Quick neighborhood stop to get fingerprinted, papers notarized, copies made, passport photos.
1765 Landess Ave. (408) 946-6655
Shops
Dollar Tree Store
Chain offering an eclectic mix of household items, beauty products, food & more at discount prices.
1350 S Park Victoria Dr #10 (408) 946-9898
Lucky’s
Grocery Store. Closing January 17, 2023. Now offers online ordering, recipes, and a pharmacy. Download their new app on Google Play or Apple App Store.
1350 S Park Victoria Dr. (408) 262-6727
Milpitas Center is one of the older strip malls which has a favorite restaurant, Mil’s Diner, anchoring its corner, and a favorite stop for those cleaning out clutter, GoodWill. Located at the corner of Abbott Ave. and Calaveras Blvd.
O’Reily Auto Parts
We carry the parts, tools, and accessories you need, as well as offering store services like free battery testing, wiper blade & bulb installation, and check engine light testing. 46 S Abbott Ave. 408-263-5660
Biryaniz Milpitas
Indian Restaurant. Our menu features a host of mouth-watering dishes and scratch made specials. We take pride in creating a memorable dining experience. 18 S Abbott Ave. 408-945-5700
Caffino Cup
We are open normal business hours. Our ability to offer services through drive through allows us to continue to serve our customers. Please know we’re taking all precautions to protect our customers and employees. Mon-Fri 6am-6pm and Sat & Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. 315 W Calaveras Blvd. 408-921-3740
Tayyibaat
Outdoor Seating, Pinoy BBQ, Afghani Kebabs, burgers & rotisserie chicken round out the offerings at this no-frills halal spot. 10 S Abbott Ave. 408-586-9700
These certified smog check stations have all served Milpitas drivers for many years.
Milpitas is in a Basic Area where you may obtain your inspection at any licensed Smog Check station. You will receive the same Two-Speed Idle test you have always received. Your vehicle will be tested for harmful levels of emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Your vehicle must be tested every two years, when sold, or upon initial California registration.
Find out about road construction plans and delays. Learn what government agencies control these highways. And to relax, enjoy these scenic drives starting in Milpitas, and wandering through our hillsides on backroads.
What is Milpitas known for?
Milpitas is often called the “Crossroads of Silicon Valley” with most of its 13.63 square miles of land situated between two major freeways (I-880 and I-680), State Route 237, and a County expressway.
How far is Milpitas from San Francisco?
The distance between Milpitas and San Francisco is 37 miles. The road distance is 45.9 miles, unless you have a boat to sail between Alviso and San Francisco.
Calaveras Overpass
The Calaveras Overpass is built to meet the present and growing traffic loads of a progressive city. [They thought!]
Montague Expressway Widening
This project widened Montague Expressway to provide for eight through lanes (three through plus one HOV lane in each direction), with bike use shoulders and improved pedestrian sidewalks from Falcon Drive to Pecten Court (approximately 0.8 miles) including replacement of the double-box culvert crossing of Berryessa Creek with a bridge structure.
VTA Montague Expressway Pedestrian Overcrossing
An incredible project RockViewVideo filmed in Milpitas to chronicle the lift & placement of a huge pedestrian overcrossing above Montague Expressway adjacent to the Milpitas BART Station, July 10-12, 2020.
Transportation Information
As a prominent gateway to the Silicon Valley, the City of Milpitas’ Traffic Engineering section has an integral role in maintaining the City’s economic vitality and creating safe and livable neighborhoods that are pedestrian and multi-modal friendly.
For more information, please contact the Commercial Enforcement Officer at 586-2400
Filing a claim against Caltrans
Did you get a nail in your tire in a highway construction zone? Here’s information and the form for filing a claim.
Governmental Agencies
CalTrans
California Department of Transportations, District 4 (includes Santa Clara County). Lots of local information and pictures about Bay Area Bridges.
Bay Area Backroads
Go “day tripping” to places near and far. KRON TV offers hundreds of ideas in the South Bay Area and further away.
Calaveras Road to Sunol
Calaveras Road varies from 2 lanes in Milpitas and the 84/680 end in Fremont down to 1 lane in the middle. The south half was recently repaved from Milpitas to the Alameda County line, about 2/3 of the entire ride.
Calaveras – Sierra Rd Loop
Scenic drive in the snowy mountains east of Milpitas and San Jose, California.
Main Street History Tour
Joann Souza narrates a tour of Main Street telling about the historic buildings and sites along the way.
Mt. Hamilton Road
Take this mountain road between Alum Rock and Patterson. Do fill up your thirsty steed because if you decide to continue east down the other side of the mountain, it will be another 70 miles to the next gas station. Very windy and steep. Not for the faint-hearted.
Santa Cruz Mountains Roads
A lovely drive is the one through the redwoods from Woodside, over to the coast, down to Santa Cruz, and back over Rt. 9 through Boulder Creek and Big Basin State Park to Saratoga.
Clean Vehicle Rebate Project | Center for Sustainable Energy
California residents get up to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of a new, eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid light-duty vehicle. As of June 5, 2019, funding is only available for qualified lower-income applicants, as described here. All other applications for vehicles already purchased/leased will be processed and placed on a rebate waitlist. Qualified applicants on the rebate waitlist will receive payment if the project receives more funding from the State of California.
Incentives | California Air Resources Board
Financial incentives are a key part of California’s efforts to ensure cleaner cars, trucks, equipment and facilities are operating in our neighborhoods. Incentives help drive the development of new, cleaner technologies and, by speeding up their sale and adoption, help clean up the air.
Vehicle BuyBack Program
The Vehicle Buy Back Program will pay Bay Area residents $1,200 to turn in their operable, registered 1997 or older vehicle for scrapping.
Report Smoking Vehicles
You may report smoking vehicles with California license plates seen in these nine San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma. You may also call 1-800-EXHAUST.
Research on Transportation Choices
Our low carbon transportation choices research program seeks to: 1) improve our understanding of household transportation and vehicle choices, 2) understand market forces, consumer acceptance, and real-world emission benefits of new and used plug-in electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles, and 3) increase the adoption of clean vehicles across households of all income levels and optimize equitable distribution and return on investment of clean vehicle incentives.
Top Clean Cars for 2019 and 2020
By Josh Goldman, Senior policy and legal analyst. Electric vehicles were prominently displayed at this year’s auto shows; for good reason. EVs are cheaper and cleaner to drive than their gasoline-powered counterparts and are beginning to appear as SUVs and pickups, which are the most popular vehicle types in the U.S. Want to find out how clean an EV is in your area? Check out this handy emissions calculator.
Transportation Fund for Clean Air
TFCA’s goal is to implement the most cost-effective projects in the Bay Area that will decrease motor vehicle emissions, and therefore improve air quality. Projects must be consistent with the 1988 California Clean Air Act and the Bay Area Clean Air Plan.
California online driving class, practice tests, and other tips for teens to learn how to get a permit and California drivers license to be allowed to drive.
How to apply for a provisional permit if you are under 18
Have your parent(s) or guardian(s) sign the application.
Driver License and Identification (ID) Card Information
To apply for a driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following. [Also check this DMV site if you have unusual circumstances. I cover only how an English-speaking, American teen can get a license to drive a car.]
Step 1
Pass the knowledge test. If you fail the test, you must wait 7 days (1 week), not including the day the test was failed, before retaking the test.
If you are 15½–17½ years old, you will need to provide proof that you:
Completed driver education (Certificate of Completion of Driver Education) OR
Are enrolled and participating in an approved integrated driver education/driver training program (Certificate of Enrollment in an Integrated [Classroom] Driver Education and Driver Training Program). For more information, refer to the Provisional Licensing (FFDL 19) Fast Facts brochure.
When it comes to home instruction, not one other course seems as vital as drivers education. It begins with learning safety as a pedestrian, and progresses through bicycle safety. Then, before you know it, you have a 15 year old teen who wants to earn a drivers license and drive the family car in traffic! At night! During bad weather!
The provisional permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor or reach 17½ years old. If you have a permit and plan to drive outside of California, check licensing requirements in that state or country.
Your permit is not valid until you begin driver training; your instructor will sign the permit to validate it. You must practice with a licensed California driver: parent, guardian, driving instructor, spouse, or adult 25 years old or older. The person must sit close enough to you to take control of the vehicle at any time. A provisional permit does not allow you to drive alone at any time, not even to a DMV field office to take a driving test.
Here are some driving schools in nearby Silicon Valley cities.
The Best 10 Driving Schools in San Jose, CA
Learn to drive and qualify for a license in four weekend days. Teen program available. Read reviews in Yelp from students who have taken the driving lessons with each company.
Obtain your parents’ or guardians’ signatures on the application form DL 44. When parents or guardians sign for a minor to get a driver license, they are stating that they will accept financial responsibility for that minor. Your parents will need to call their auto insurance agent to check what adjustments may need to be made to include a teen driver in their policy.
How to Apply For a Social Security Card
If you need to replace a lost Social Security card, change the name shown on your card, or request a replacement card, you need to complete Form SS-5 which is available for download. Or you can call 1-800-772-1213.
Take a practice test online to get use to the language and format.
California Drivers Test
Interactive sample driving test online, if you have Java-enabled browser. Answer sheet available for those who don’t. From DMV site.
Step 5
What to expect at the DMV when you show up to take the written test.
Have all the forms mentioned in Step 2 with you plus the certificate awarded when you passed the drivers ed course.
Have your picture taken (Where to get a haircut in Milpitas.) This photo will be your primary identification for 4 years, so try to make it look great.
Pay the $12 application fee (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.
Step 6
Get the Keys! Learn to drive!
Congratulations! You passed the written test! What do you do for the next 6 months?
Locate a driving school and take the three 2-hour sessions of on-road instruction.
Begin your on road driving lessons with your parent or guardian or other licensed driver 25 years old or older.
Complete 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
Learn all you can on how to be the best driver you can be.
Learn how to take care of the car entrusted to you.
New Driving Laws
The following are bills signed into law by the governor which have the most significant impact on the department.
Scooter Safety
Here are a few easily digestible guidelines for scooter safety that everyone who uses scooters should observe.
Teen New Drivers’ Homepage
Advice from one teenager to others. Some advice adults would probably not think to point out, such as how to best navigate a school parking lot, or that it is best not to hit a school bus. Look out for anything to do with the mail. If there’s one deer there’s bound to be another.
Winter Driving Tips
Winter driving on roads and highways in the snowcapped mountains of California can be a pleasant adventure or it can be frustrating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous. The CHP provides the following information to help make your mountain driving safe and pleasant.
Step 7
Before being eligible to take your driving test you must:
Be 16 years old
AND
Have possessed your permit for a minimum of six months
Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
You will also need to show proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be taking your drive test in.
After you pass your drive test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call (916) 657-7790 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.
If you fail your drive test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass.
Step 8
Congratulations! You passed the road test! You have been issued a provisional license, which has these restrictions for the next year.
During the first 6 months you are licensed to drive you must be accompanied by a driver 25 years of age or older if you drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. or if you have passengers under the age of 20 in the car at any time.
During the second 6 months, you must still be accompanied by a driver 25 years of age or older if you drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., however, now you may have passengers under the age of 20 in the car without supervision between the hours of 5 a.m. and midnight.
Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle. When you become 18, the provisional part of your license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using your photo license, which will expire on your 4th birthday after the date you applied.
